With the beginning of the new academic year, practically every hallway in SAIT’s residence buildings are packed with crowds of students settling into their new – and undecorated – abodes.

While living on-campus may mean a shorter commute to and from the classroom, the somewhat bland interiors of the available apartments leave much to be desired.

However, staring at the bare walls of your new college-level dwelling does not have to be a reality, since The Weal has rounded up information you may need when on the hunt for DIY decorating strategies to make your dorm more like a home.

The lease sent out to SAIT’s residents states that while all the basic furnishings have already been provided, one may bring in their own additional pieces of decorative items, as long as they do not damage any of the previously available furniture.

Upon moving in, residents are given a resident handbook, as well as a unit condition form. The unit condition form is to be filled out regarding the current condition of the room. In case the resident fails to mention any previously caused damages to the room, he/she will be held responsible for them.

The resident handbook, on the other hand, mentions the various rules and regulations of living on campus. Along with the basic rules such as prohibition of drugs, smoking and alcohol in the common areas, there happen to be other rules that dictate residents on campus aren’t allowed to paint or ruin the pre-painted walls in any way.

A great alternative to this decorating no-no are posters and artwork. According to September Watchel, interior designer from After Eight Interiors, these play a huge role in personalizing one’s dorm room in order to make it feel like home.

A tight budget shouldn’t stop a resident from beautifying their newly acquired dorm room, even though many college students can report to money being tight. In this case, one may just need to be creative and smart to furnish an apartment or dorm as inexpensively as possible.

“Rather than going for the very standard and bland IKEA, I’d look at places like Urban Outfitters,” Watchel suggested. “It is reasonable, and fits the student lifestyle perfectly.” Another local store highly recommended by her was Heritage Music, which, in her opinion, caters perfectly to, “every youngster’s needs and wants.”

While some may complain about the strict rules and regulations enforced upon residents, Sally Momenipour, a full-time student enrolled in the Environmental program at SAIT, finds it very easy to deck up her room. “I know it’s hard to live on Res, but little things like a vase full of flowers, or maybe even antique show-pieces make your room feel like your own,” Momenipour said.

And finally, one of the best ways to feel at home, is by bringing with you different items that hold different kinds of memorable value from home.

Interior decorator, Nancy Ramsey of Wen-Di Interiors suggested that students surround themselves with “homely textures”.

“Some warm colours and a lot of pictures from home on the walls make them feel more welcome,” Ramsey said. “And never forget, that you may be leaving home, but you’ve also got a whole new set of experiences waiting for you out there.”